a gun barrel of laughs - parodies and oddities

Dislocada Magazine — James Bond

Originally published in Dislocada Magazine

Writer: Delfor

Artist: E. Meliante

Translator: Clinton Rawls

Notes: This particular story has proven to be one of my more difficult translations and presented numerous challenges. The very nature of comedy itself, along with the multiple meanings of particular words, allowed for numerous possible translations and opportunities for wordplay. While I attempted to write the best script possible, I fear there may be some degree of humor lost in translation. Additionally, the character in the final panel appears to be a footballer based upon the original script, yet I have been unable to verify any specifics to the man’s identity. As such, the song that he sings was the most agonizing portion of the story to translate and I would welcome any relevant information that readers could provide to lead to a potentially more accurate translation of this Argentine publication.

Mort & Phil in New York (excerpt)

Originally published: Mortadelo y Filemon #15

Writer/Artist: Francisco Ibáñez Talavera

Translator: Clinton Rawls

Notes: While in New York to prevent an attack on the Statue of Liberty, the inept secret agents try to steal a certain someone’s car. This page is an excerpt of a larger story.

El Jueves Magazine — Licence to Kill

Originally published: El Jueves #638

Creators: Pasqual Ferry & Xavi Roca

Translator: Clinton Rawls

Notes: Although the film Licence to Kill has enjoyed something of a reappraisal over the years, no one can argue that it is a divisive film. That said, creators Ferry and Roca manage to have fun with some of the genuine grievances fans and critics have pointed to since its release in 1989. The humor in this piece ranges from absurd and ridiculous to dry and witty, all in an impressively rendered nine panels! The effect is a parody that manages to have something for everyone to enjoy.

GOLDENCOÑAZO

Writer/Artist - Kim

Translator: Clinton Rawls

Notes: I don’t know much about this piece, though I suspect this parody of GoldenEye was published in the comedy magazine Mortadelo y Filemon. Although I don’t fully agree with the writer/artist’s views on the film (which is still one of my favorites in the series), it’s all in good fun. Because this is a comedy, I’ve attempted to translate the spirit of the original story in order to retain the intended humor. As always, I welcome any suggestions for a better or more effective translation, (the original piece can be found on Archivo007) as well as further information on the writer/artist, known only to me as Kim.

The Return of 007

Originally published in Totem Calibre 38 (or Totem .38) #3

Writer/Artist: François Boucq

Translator: Clinton Rawls

The True Story of James Bond

Originally published as “La Verdadera Historia de James Bond” in issue #42 of the “Especial Espionaje” edition of Mortadelo (1975)

Illustrated by F. Ibáñez

Cairo Magazine Cover - Licence to Kill

Cairo #15, cover art by Gallardo and published by Norma Comics. Cairo was a magazine dedicated to reporting on the comics industry, in particular the Spanish comics scene and notable works of the avant-garde and indie variety. A short, three page article on Bond appears in this issue, but to the best of my knowledge there is nothing further related.

Casino Royale

Writer/Artist: Kim

Translator: Clinton Rawls

Notes: Much like Kim’s prior parody of GoldenEye, I don’t know much about this piece though I suspect it appeared in the comedy magazine Mortadelo y Filemon. One thing I do know for certain is that I most certainly had fun translating it! Kim’s sense of humor may put some off, especially given the popularity of the film in question, but it’s all in good fun.